Regalia

University of Richmond Commencement Regalia Policy

The University of Richmond’s commencement ceremonies are an academic exercise celebrating the achievements of the graduating class. In keeping with the solemnity of the ceremonies, special regalia is worn to symbolize this significant accomplishment.  The regalia policy helps to ensure a consistent, respectful, and organized presentation of regalia during University commencement ceremonies, reflecting the University’s traditions and honoring graduates’ achievements.

This policy applies to all undergraduate, graduate business, and graduate School of Professional and Continuing Studies students participating in the University’s commencement ceremonies.

 

Regalia

Graduates
All graduating students shall wear the official University cap, gown, and stole corresponding to the degree they are receiving at the University of Richmond. The gown, cap, and stole shall reflect the University’s standard and the graduate’s school or field of study. The regalia is specific to the degree being granted by the University of Richmond at the current commencement ceremony. Stoles, gowns, caps, and cords from prior degrees may not be worn at the current ceremony.

Caps, gowns, and stoles shall be ordered through the Spider Shop by the deadlines published by the Shop. Approved cords, medallions, and pins will be provided by the sponsoring organization.

Faculty
Faculty members participating in the ceremony may wear appropriate academic regalia representing their highest earned degree and institution of award.

 

Academic Cords, Pins, and Other Decorations

Students may wear cords, pins, or medallions representing academic achievement or participation in recognized University student organizations. Adornments representing participation in academic honor societies or extraordinary academic achievement must be approved by the Regalia Subcommittee of the Commencement Committee and shall appear in the commencement program. Those representing participation in recognized University student groups do not need approval but must be submitted to the regalia subcommittee as an informational item. Such adornments will not be published in the commencement program. 

Requests for academic achievement recognition should be submitted to the University Registrar by March 1 prior to the May commencement ceremony. Requests must be submitted by the group’s faculty or staff sponsor, state clearly the rationale for the request and how it meets the standards of this policy, and include a detailed description of the distinctive item. Once approved, the distinctive items may be worn at all subsequent commencement ceremonies. Examples of such groups include:

• • Honor society cords or pins
  • Departmental or school academic awards
  • University-wide academic recognitions
  • Approved academic societies

Mortar boards may be decorated to celebrate graduation. The decoration shall not impede the view of other students or include profanity or other offensive messages.

Questions about eligibility for cords or pins should be directed to the Office of the University Registrar.